St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined global leaders, policymakers and marine experts in Tokyo, Japan, for the inaugural Island State Ocean Summit, where discussions focused on addressing the growing threats facing the world’s oceans.
Minister of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience, Conroy Huggins, represented the country at the summit, which was held from June 3 to 4 and brought together more than 300 participants from over 35 countries, including heads of government, island-state representatives and United Nations officials.
The summit was convened by the Nippon Foundation in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
Participants examined ways to strengthen international cooperation to halt the deterioration of marine ecosystems caused by climate change, rising ocean temperatures, marine pollution and other environmental pressures.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Huggins highlighted the critical role the ocean plays in the economic, social and cultural life of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
He noted that the country’s marine resources are central to tourism, fisheries, food security and national identity, while emphasizing the need for island nations to become stronger stewards of the oceans upon which their economies depend.
Huggins also outlined the challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a Small Island Developing State, particularly the impacts of climate change and increasingly severe weather events.
Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to pursuing practical and science-based solutions to strengthen resilience and protect marine ecosystems.
“The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains committed to working towards climate-resilient, science-based solutions for our people, not as an aspiration, but as a national and global imperative,” the Minister told delegates.
The summit forms part of a growing international effort to encourage greater cooperation among island states and coastal nations in addressing the impacts of climate change on marine environments and ocean-dependent economies.
Joining Minister Huggins at the event was Kris Isaacs, Senior Fisheries Officer in the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine and Land Conservation and Climate Resilience.
Officials say participation in the summit provided an opportunity for St. Vincent and the Grenadines to contribute to global discussions on ocean governance while strengthening partnerships that support sustainable marine management and climate resilience.
The Government has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting marine resources as part of its broader strategy for sustainable development and economic growth.